The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), approved in May 2024, introduces an ambitious framework to accelerate the renovation of Europe’s building stock, with the aim of reaching a zero-emission standard by 2050. This document, prepared by WorldGBC, explains how Member States can apply the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and define national renovation trajectories for residential and non-residential buildings.

For residential buildings, a gradual reduction in average energy consumption is required, with concrete targets for 2030 (−16%) and 2035 (−20–22%), prioritising the renovation of the 43% of the worst-performing buildings. In the case of non-residential buildings, mandatory objectives are set: renovating 16% of the least efficient buildings by 2030 and 26% by 2033, with new targets planned for 2040 and 2050.

The document also details the steps that governments must follow: collecting data on the building stock, establishing efficiency thresholds, defining compliance mechanisms, and ensuring that everything is integrated into the National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), which must be submitted to the European Commission in 2025.

In addition, the enabling conditions necessary for these measures to work are highlighted: reliable data, well-structured energy certificates, a skilled workforce, public and private financing, and information campaigns engaging owners, tenants, and managers.